Savory Moroccan Couscous with Toasted Pine Nuts and Fresh Green Beans
Experience the vibrant flavors of North Africa with this Savory Moroccan Couscous featuring perfectly cooked green beans and the rich crunch of toasted pine nuts. This delightful dish brings together the warmth of spices and the freshness of vegetables, creating a wholesome side or a light main course. Perfect for entertaining or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe highlights the beautiful textures and tastes that make Moroccan cuisine so beloved. Serve it as a festive side dish to complement roasted meats or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying vegetarian option.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Chicken Broth
1 cup (Heated to boiling)
Couscous
3/4 cup (Dry, to be cooked)
Pine Nuts
1/2 cup (Toasted)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (For toasting pine nuts)
Green Beans
10 ounces (Trimmed and chopped)
Instructions
1
In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
2
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Cook until just tender and bright green, about 3-4 minutes. Drain and quickly rinse the beans under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat dry and slice them crosswise into bite-sized pieces.
3
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and stir in the butter until melted.
4
Add the couscous to the broth, stir to combine, and then cover the pot. Remove from heat and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the couscous to absorb the liquid and become tender. Fluff the couscous with a fork after a few minutes.
5
Gently fold in the toasted pine nuts and sliced green beans into the couscous. If desired, reheat the mixture over a pot of boiling water or in the microwave, adding more butter to melt if you prefer.
6
Before serving, fluff the couscous again to combine the ingredients well and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Moroccan Couscous?
It is a vibrant North African-inspired dish featuring couscous, toasted pine nuts, and fresh green beans, often served as a side or light main course.
How do I toast the pine nuts for this recipe?
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and cook the pine nuts for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown.
What is the best way to cook the green beans?
Boil the green beans in salted water for 3-4 minutes until tender and bright green, then rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make this dish completely vegetarian.
How do I make the couscous fluffy?
After the couscous has absorbed the liquid for 10-15 minutes, use a fork to gently fluff the grains before mixing in the other ingredients.
Can I use frozen green beans?
While fresh green beans provide the best texture, you can use frozen ones; just ensure they are thawed and patted dry before slicing.
What can I substitute for pine nuts?
If you do not have pine nuts, you can use slivered almonds or chopped walnuts as a crunchy alternative.
How long does it take for couscous to absorb the broth?
The couscous should sit covered for approximately 10 to 15 minutes to fully absorb the liquid and become tender.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and combine them when ready to serve, or store the finished dish in the fridge.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I reheat this Moroccan couscous?
Yes, you can reheat it in the microwave or over a pot of boiling water, adding a little extra butter or broth to maintain moisture.
Does this dish contain dairy?
Yes, the recipe uses butter. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with additional olive oil.
What main dishes pair well with this couscous?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, lamb tagine, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian meal.
Can I add extra spices?
Certainly! Spices like cumin, coriander, or cinnamon can be added to the broth to enhance the Moroccan flavor profile.
What size should the green beans be cut into?
The green beans should be sliced crosswise into bite-sized pieces after they have been blanched.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, couscous is made from semolina flour which contains gluten. You could substitute with quinoa for a gluten-free version.
Can I add lemon juice to the recipe?
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can add a bright acidity that complements the savory broth and pine nuts.
Why do I need to rinse green beans in cold water?
Rinsing them in cold water, or 'shocking' them, stops the cooking process immediately so they stay crisp and bright green.
What type of pot should I use for the couscous?
A medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid is ideal for boiling the broth and allowing the couscous to steam.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter for the couscous?
Yes, substituting butter with olive oil will give the dish a lighter, fruitier flavor and make it vegan-friendly if using vegetable broth.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: butter, chicken broth, couscous, pine nuts, olive oil, and green beans.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
It is best served warm, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature as a grain salad.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Fresh mint, parsley, or cilantro would make excellent additions to add a layer of freshness to the dish.
What is the texture of this dish?
The dish features a delightful contrast between the soft, fluffy couscous, the snap of the green beans, and the crunch of toasted pine nuts.
How much couscous does this recipe use?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of dry couscous.
Can I use pearl (Israeli) couscous?
You can, but the cooking method is different; pearl couscous usually requires simmering for about 8-10 minutes rather than just soaking.
What if my couscous is too dry?
If the couscous feels dry, you can stir in a tablespoon of warm broth or a bit of melted butter before serving.
Should I salt the pine nuts while toasting?
It is not necessary, but a tiny pinch of salt can enhance their nutty flavor while they are in the skillet.
Is this dish high in protein?
The pine nuts and couscous provide some protein, but you can increase it by adding chickpeas or sliced grilled chicken.
Can I make this dish for a large crowd?
Yes, this recipe is easily scalable; just double or triple the ingredients and use a larger pot for the broth and couscous.